Adaptation Strategies
Coastal zones are some of the most ecologically sensitive and diverse habitats in the world. Currently, these areas are experiencing the detrimental effects of sea-level rise (SLR) and the consequences of conventional flood protection methods. The Living Breakwater Project understands adaptation as both physical interventions and policy planning tools that reduce risks associated with sea-level rise. Based on the British Columbia Sea Level Rise Primer, this research groups adaptation strategies in four (4) different categories: protect, accommodate, retreat, and avoid.
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Barrier Islands
Located offshore, barrier islands are dynamic landforms that are formed from offshore bars and, spits.
Beach Nourishment
Beach nourishment (beach renourishment, beach replenishment, or sand replenishment) involves a process of replacing material (usually sand) to a beach that might have been lost by longshore drift or erosion.
Breakwaters
Breakwaters are linear, offshore, or onshore structures built to protect the coast from the effects of both storm surges and longshore drift.
Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands represent ecosystems that are permanently or seasonally inundated with either fresh, brackish, or saline water that is usually less than 6 feet in depth at low tide.
Dune Building / Restoration
Dune building or restoration is the process of stabilizing existing coastal dunes through coastal management practices such as planting dune vegetation and using sand fences.
Floodwalls
Floodwalls are typically vertical structural barriers that are used in locations where space is limited due to buildings or other land uses.
Reef Systems
Reefs are under and near water ecosystems that provide protection against flooding and erosion.
Scour Protection
Scours are property-specific structural tools that are used to protect shoreline structures or building foundations from exposure to the corrosive effects of moving water.
Storm Surge Barriers
Storm surge barriers are heavily engineered movable or fixed barriers/gates that are closed to prevent flooding during bad weather forecasts.